Tokyo Paralympics - Spectators banned from attending Games due to rise of coronavirus cases in Japan
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ByEurosport
Updated 16/08/2021 at 12:19 GMT
Officials have confirmed that the Tokyo Paralympic Games will take place without spectators as Japan continues to struggle with coronavirus across the country. The Paralympics are expected to involve around 4,400 athletes from almost 160 countries. Tokyo has been under a coronavirus state of emergency since July 12.
The Olympic Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
The Tokyo Paralympics will be held without any fans due to a rise in coronavirus cases in the host city and other parts of Japan, organisers have confirmed.
The Japanese government have proposed expanding and extending the country's state of emergency.
Officials say the policy to stage the Paralympics behind closed doors in Tokyo and the prefectures of Chiba, Saitama and Shizuoka was confirmed at a meeting of local governments involved in the Games.
The Paralympics are set to get underway on August 24.
"We very much regret that this situation has impacted the Paralympic Games," organisers said in a statement.
"We sincerely apologise to all ticket buyers who were looking forward to watching the Games at the venues.
"We hope that you understand that these measures are unavoidable and being implemented in order to prevent the spread of infection. Everyone is encouraged to watch the Games at home."
As well as stadiums, fans have been asked not to attend road events.
Fans were banned from attending events in the capital during the Olympics while other events were held with 50 per cent capacity.
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